aa travel insurance emergency assistance

Your Plan In Action

How It Works

Should a medical emergency derail your travel, EA+ has you covered no matter where you are. This is how it works.

As a card-carrying member, you can breathe easy knowing that Emergency Assistance Plus—and all of its services—accompanies you wherever you go. Of course, that means you’re well protected should the unforeseen occur while you’re overseas; but those same services are applicable even when you’re taking a quick weekend getaway within the United States. In other words, if you or any plan-covered family member are hospitalized while traveling anywhere in the world, the EA+ team of dedicated specialists will be at the ready to make sure you’re well-cared for and that you get home safe.

Should a medical emergency occur, it’s imperative that you first call 911 or seek medical attention immediately. (EA+ will always be there for you, but it does not act as a first responder. Additionally, most EA+ services only take effect after you or your family member have been admitted to the hospital.*) Once you’re admitted, here’s what happens next:

• Using the emergency phone numbers printed on the back of your EA+ membership ID card, call us . (You can also find those emergency numbers here .).
• You’ll receive intake forms from one of our U.S.-based assistance coordinators, which you and the hospital’s attending physician must fill out. These forms aren’t mere bureaucratic protocol. Instead, they ensure that we receive all the pertinent information to better understand your situation and your needs. Because of that, these forms must be completed and returned to us before we can provide any transportation services.
• Once those forms are received, the EA+ Medical Director will review the paperwork , then consult with your attending physician to ensure that the hospital can provide the specific medical care that you need. Should we deem that you need to be transported to a different hospital, EA+ will make all the necessary arrangements, including reserving you a bed at the closest capable facility and lining up transportation to that new hospital. (If your situation requires immediate transfer to a different hospital and the admitting facility has already made those arrangements, we won’t interfere, as expediency is crucial in these instances.)
• When the time comes for your discharge from the hospital, EA+ will arrange your transportation . If your condition has improved enough to return home, we’ll arrange and provide commercial airfare with as many as two nurse escorts, if necessary. Should you need additional medical care, and your condition doesn’t allow for commercial travel, we’ll provide for you an air ambulance (if deemed medically necessary) to a qualified rehabilitation center nearest your home.
• If you experience a medical emergency while on a road trip and your condition prevents you and everyone else in your traveling party from driving your vehicle home, Emergency Assistance Plus will provide a family member, friend, or a professional driver with one-way, economy airfare to the location of your vehicle so that they can return your vehicle to your home.

*Visiting the Emergency Room does not qualify as being admitted. The services outlined above represent the services of an EA+ Essential membership. You may be eligible for additional services, should you enroll in the EA+ Premier plan.

Theresa & Francis G., New Jersey

The yearly cost for a family plan seems like a bargain after our experience.

“My husband became very ill in Monument Valley and was airlifted to New Mexico where he was hospitalized for 10 days. During his hospitalization EA+ reviewed his condition, made all flight plans for our travel home, and provided transportation to and from the airports. Most importantly, EA+ provided an experienced (and wonderful!) nurse escort to accompany my husband home. I cannot adequately express how reassuring it was to have the EA+ nurse caring for my husband during our journey home. She monitored his vitals and transported the IV medication he required for the first 48 hours at home. We will NEVER travel without EA+ again.”

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June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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Find the Right Travel Insurance Plan for You

Whether you're traveling for leisure or business, you'll appreciate the benefits and coverage Allianz Travel Insurance plans can provide. With 24/7 support from our travel professionals around the world, we helped over 70 million people last year to protect themselves from the unpredictable.

OneTrip Prime

AllTrips Executive

OneTrip Rental Car Protector

OneTrip Basic

OneTrip Premier

OneTrip Emergency Medical

OneTrip Cancellation Plus

AllTrips Basic

AllTrips Prime

AllTrips Premier

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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AAA Travel Insurance Review 2024: Is it Worth the Cost?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What does AAA travel insurance cover?

Aaa single-trip plans, aaa annual plans, which aaa travel insurance plan is best for me, can you buy aaa travel insurance online, what isn’t covered by aaa travel insurance, aaa travel insurance, recapped.

• You don't need to be an AAA member.
• Annual or single-trip policies are available.
• Can add on a Rental Car Damage protector plan.
• Cheapest option doesn't include medical coverage.
• CFAR upgrade is only available for higher-cost plans.

Before going on a trip, it's important to give travel insurance some serious thought as it can protect you if anything goes wrong on your vacation. One provider to consider is AAA Travel Insurance.

The company’s policies are administered by Allianz Global Assistance, an insurer that serves 40 million customers in the U.S. and operates in 35 countries. You do not have to be a AAA member to purchase AAA travel insurance.

AAA offers annual or single-trip policies for domestic and international travel. The policies vary by state and travel destination, so the plans available in your home area may differ from the examples shown below. Use AAA's Get A Quote tool to see your specific pricing.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

AAA’s single-trip plans are designed for travelers who are leaving their homes, visiting another destination, domestic or international, and returning. To get an idea of which plans are available, we input a sample itinerary of a $3,000, two-week trip to Spain by a 45-year-old from Indiana. For this itinerary, AAA offered four single-trip plans.

* Higher limit requires receipts to be submitted.

AAA single-trip plans cost

The Essential Plan ($97) is ideal for those who just want the basics of trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance and don't need the other protections. This is a good fit for domestic travelers who already have health coverage in the U.S. and don't plan on bringing business equipment.

The Basic Plan ($111) includes all the features of the Essential Plan, along with medical coverage and some increased protections for baggage and travel delays.

The Classic ($140) and Premier Plans ($174) are nearly identical, but the latter provides double emergency medical coverage, emergency transportation, trip delay and baggage delay limits.

The Classic Plan offers a "cancel for any reason" optional upgrade for $71, which would bring the total to $211.

There is also a Rental Car Damage protector plan for $135, which provides $1,000 of trip interruption and baggage loss coverage and $40,000 of rental car damage and theft benefits. This plan will cover your costs if the rental car is stolen or damaged. In addition, you’ll be reimbursed for the unused portion of your trip and if your bags are lost or damaged. This plan offers an alternative to purchasing coverage at the rental counter.

» Learn More: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

The annual policies provide 365 days of domestic and international coverage and are best suited for those who travel often. To see which plans are available, we input a $15,000 annual travel budget for coverage starting in July 2020 for a 30-year-old from New Hampshire. For this itinerary, AAA is offering four policies, with the three higher-end plans geared toward business travelers.

AAA annual plans cost

The Annual Deluxe Plan ($275) is designed for those who aren’t too concerned with pre-trip cancellation benefits or business equipment protections and are more interested in medical coverage while abroad. If you already have some travel insurance through a credit card, this plan may be sufficient.

The next three Annual Executive Plans ($500-$785) are tiered based on the amount of trip cancellation and interruption coverage provided ($5,000, $7,500 or $10,000). All the other protections under the Executive Plans are identical. All three plans include business equipment coverage as well as business equipment rental and delay protections. If you’re traveling for work, these plans may be your best bet.

Although all four of these are annual plans, no individual trip can exceed 45 days. For trips longer than 45 days, Allianz offers an AllTrips Premier plan , which provides coverage for up to 90 days per trip.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

Choosing the right plan for your trip involves understanding what type of coverage you will want while you’re traveling.

If you have a premium travel card that already provides you with a sufficient level of trip cancellation coverage, you may only need to get a standalone emergency medical policy. For example, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per year in trip cancellation benefits. Terms apply. Only the Annual Executive Plan ($10,000) has a comparable level of trip cancellation coverage.

If the coverage provided by your card isn’t adequate, you don’t have credit card coverage or you didn’t pay for your trip with that credit card, then you might be better off with a comprehensive plan like one of the single or annual trip plans, depending on your travel goals.

If you’re a long-term traveler and expect to take many trips, the annual plans will be the most suitable. However, with coverage for each trip capped at 45 days, you’ll want to look at other options if you will be away from home for longer.

Yes, you can buy AAA Travel Insurance onlince. Head over to Agentmaxonline.com , input your trip details and choose “Get Quote” to see a list of available plans.

Trip insurance plans have a lot of exclusions that you need to pay attention to so you know exactly what type of coverage you’re getting. Here are some general exclusions you can expect:

High-risk activities: Skydiving, bungee jumping, heli-skiing and other types of high-risk sporting activities that the insurer deems unsafe.

Intentional acts: Losses sustained from intoxication, drug use, self-harm and criminal activity.

Specifically designated events: Epidemics, natural disasters and war are specifically mentioned in the policy as exclusions.

It's important to note that exclusions may vary based on the policy and where you live, so it's always best to review the fine print to ensure you’re clear about what is and isn’t covered.

» Learn more: Will travel insurance cover winter weather woes?

Yes. However, plan choices depend on your state of residence and trip duration. We performed various searches for sample trips and found policies for single trips and annual trips. Single-trip plans are great for travelers who are traveling from their home to a different destination (domestic or international) and then returning. Coverage ends when the traveler returns home. Annual trip plans are designed for those who want to take several trips during a specific period of time, regardless of how many times they return home during the covered period.

The cost of a travel insurance policy depends on many factors , including the trip length, your state of residence and how much coverage you’d like. Our sample search for a $3,000 two-week trip to Spain showed policies ranging from $97 to $211, representing 3% to 7% of the total trip cost.

Yes, AAA’s travel insurance policies offer coverage for international travel. To check the type of plans available for your intended destination, visit AAA’s travel insurance site and enter your trip details.

Travel insurance offers a safety net so that if something goes wrong while you’re on vacation, you’re not alone. Whether it's a cancelled flight, lost luggage or emergency medical care, travel insurance coverage will come in handy. Although it's never fun to think about unexpected emergencies that can derail your trip, consider how much risk you’re willing to take before deciding to not purchase a policy. That will help you decide if travel insurance is worth it .

The cost of a travel insurance policy

depends on many factors

, including the trip length, your state of residence and how much coverage you’d like. Our sample search for a $3,000 two-week trip to Spain showed policies ranging from $97 to $211, representing 3% to 7% of the total trip cost.

Yes, AAA’s travel insurance policies offer coverage for international travel. To check the type of plans available for your intended destination, visit

AAA’s travel insurance site

and enter your trip details.

Travel insurance offers a safety net so that if something goes wrong while you’re on vacation, you’re not alone. Whether it's a cancelled flight, lost luggage or emergency medical care, travel insurance coverage will come in handy. Although it's never fun to think about unexpected emergencies that can derail your trip, consider how much risk you’re willing to take before deciding to not purchase a policy. That will help you decide if

travel insurance is worth it

AAA was found to be one of the best travel insurance companies according to NerdWallet's most recent analysis.

Before shopping for a policy, check to see what coverage you may already have. Some premium credit cards provide travel insurance. If you hold one of these credit cards and the coverage limits are adequate, you may only need a standalone emergency medical insurance policy . However, if your credit card doesn’t cover you sufficiently, a comprehensive travel insurance plan might be the right choice. AAA offers a few plans to pick from, but the choices boil down to annual or single-trip insurance plans.

No matter what type of traveler you are, AAA offers various trip insurance options to choose from. Rates and options vary by state, so be sure to input your information into the online tool.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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24 Hour Emergency Travel Assistance*

To access these services, call the Premier Member Services telephone number: 1-888-222-9688. The terms are defined under "summary of benefits" as outlined in the Travel Insurance Coverage portion.

Assistance translation services — If a Covered Person has the need to use any of the following Assistance Services, an Assistance Service representative will be available to translate or arrange for translation, by telephone, as needed for the purposes of providing the service.

Medical provider referrals, appointments, and admissions arrangements — If a Covered Person is in need of a doctor or medical facility, an Assistance Services representative will refer the Covered Person to the most appropriate doctors and facilities in the location they requested using a world–class proprietary database of leading hospitals ans physicians. If necessary, they will also assist the Covered Person in setting appointments and will also arrange the Covered Person's admission to a hospital or medical center. The Covered Person is responsible for all fees associated with the medical treatment received.

Emergency medical transportation arrangements — The Covered Person's benefits include access to a network of medical transportation and air ambulance providers. If a Covered Person has a medical emergency while traveling, an Assistance Services representative will arrange emergency medical transportation including evacuation. The Covered Person is responsible for any fees associated with such medical transportation.

Prescription replacement arrangements — If a Covered Person misplaces his prescription drugs, an Assistance Services representative will contact the Covered Person's pharmacy and obtain drug refill information on the Covered Person's behalf, if available. They will then make arrangements with a network doctor or pharmacist to supply a replacement to the Covered Person. The Covered Person will pay all associated costs.

Emergency visitation arrangements — If a Covered Person is hospitalized, such Covered Person's family may call an Assistance Services representative for help with travel arrangements to visit the Covered Person. The Covered Person and his family members are responsible for any costs of travel.

Emergency cash transfer arrangements — If the Covered Person's cash or Covered Person's checks are lost or stolen, or if he needs emergency funds for the payment of unanticipated expenses, an Assistance Services representative will make necessary arrangements for emergency cash to be transferred to the Covered Person. These funds, as well as any associated fees, will come from the Covered Person's family, friends, or credit accounts.

Emergency message center service — If the Covered Person is faced with an emergency, the emergency message center enables an Assistance Services representative to receive a message from the Covered Person and make appropriate attempts to deliver the message to its intended recipient. For example, if a Covered Person needs emergency surgery and is unable to reach his family, the representative will make repeated attempts to make contact until the family can be reached.

Lost ticket and document replacement arrangements — If a Covered Person loses a ticket or passport while traveling, an Assistance Services representative will provide information and help the Covered Person to obtain replacement documents, including tickets and passports. The Covered Person must pay for all associated fees.

Benefits apply during Covered Travel as defined under the Travel Accident Insurance section Individual Page for Travel Insurance Coverage

*Assistance benefits are provided and serviced by AGA Service Company.

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Cover for your overseas adventures

Even when you’re in the early planning stages of your trip, it’s important to consider taking out travel insurance. That’s because AA Travel Insurance policies can cover for cancellation and loss of deposits before you even go. So if something happens in the lead-up to your trip, we can be there to help you. With International Travel Insurance, you’ll be supported 24/7 no matter where you are in the world, with help just a phone call away.

Our three plans -  Essentials, Comprehensive, and  Frequent Traveller, have been designed with flexibility in mind, and provide different benefits and limits. Click here for an instant online quote. 

Get a quote

Cover for some COVID-related situations^

All plans include some cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19, in some situations:

• If you're diagnosed with the disease after you purchase your policy and can't go on your trip or have to go home early
• If you’re quarantined or put into self-isolation by the NZ Government because you’re suspected of having been exposed to the disease and can’t go or continue on your trip
• If you’re denied boarding on any scheduled public transport service based on the suspicion that you have the disease.

^The policy still has a general exclusion for epidemics and pandemics and does not cover disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind. Cover is only provided if you have not commenced your journey against the New Zealand Government’s advice not to travel. There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population.

Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply and these are set out in the Policy Wording. Please refer to the  Policy Wording  for full details.

Cover Options

The Essentials plan has been designed for those who only need limited travel insurance cover.

Comprehensive

The Comprehensive plan provides the highest level of cover, offering all the benefits under the Essentials plan and more.

Frequent Flyer

Designed for those who travel regularly, the Frequent Flyer plan can cover all trips taken during a 12-month period (up to 60 days duration per trip)

Business Cover

Cover for you when the main intention of your trip is for business purposes.

Offers additional business benefits.

Compare plans

^Sub-limits apply.

This table is a summary only. For all of these benefits, p lease make sure you read the  Policy Wording  to understand the definitions, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.

AA International Travel Insurance Benefits

10% discount for aa members*.

AA Members can receive a discount on all policies. Simply provide your valid AA Membership number on application.

24/7 Emergency Assistance

With AA Travel Insurance, you’ll have access to the Allianz 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. A single call will put you in touch with a specialist who will be able to help you.

Cover for pre-existing medical conditions

Under the Comprehensive plan, you can apply to get your pre-existing medical conditions covered. If accepted, this can give you that extra peace of mind during your holiday.

Cover for missed connections or travel delays

If you miss connections or have any travel delays because of unexpected situations, you will be able to claim up to the maximum benefit limit based on your policy type. This includes additional hotel and travel costs.

All plans include selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases, like COVID-19 in some situations:

• If you're diagnosed with the disease and you can't go on your trip or have to go home early
• If you’re quarantined or put into self-isolation by the NZ Government if you’re suspected of having been exposed to the disease

Cover before you depart

Your trip is protected from unforeseen cancellation and loss of deposits the moment your cover is confirmed.

For all of these benefits, please make sure you read the Policy Wording to understand the benefit limits, terms or exclusions that apply.

^The policy still has a general exclusion for epidemics and pandemics, and does not cover disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind. Cover is only provided if you have not commenced your journey against the New Zealand Government’s advice not to travel. There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population. Please refer to the Policy Wording for full details.

^Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply and these are stated in the Policy Wording . Customers considering the purchase of a travel insurance policy should read the Policy Wording to check what is and isn’t covered.

Have a question?

Our friendly New Zealand-based team are here to help. Give us a call anytime from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, or pop into one of our AA Centres to speak to a consultant.

Call: 0800 630 115

Frequently asked questions

What countries does my selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases (including Covid-19) cover?

All countries that do not appear on the Level 4 warning “Do not travel” advisory listed on SafeTravel.

SafeTravel houses all warnings inclusive of non-Covid-19 advisories which are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

If I contract Covid-19 prior to travelling do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the country you are travelling to does not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

If I contract Covid-19 in transit to my destination country do I have selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases?

Cover is in place, providing that the countries you are travelling to do not have a MFAT, SafeTravel or New Zealand Government Level 4 warning “Do not travel” in place.

Does selected cover^ for epidemic and pandemic diseases still apply if I am unvaccinated?

Cover is in place as there is no requirement to be vaccinated/boosted under our policy. However, if the destination country requires an inbound traveller to be vaccinated, then the traveller must be able to meet these entry requirements. This also applies to the condition of carriage for example of the airline they are travelling. There is no cover if denied boarding or entry to a country due to not meeting the carrier or country vaccination requirements.

Are there any mandatory epidemic and pandemic insurance requirements to enter certain countries?

Many countries, even before the pandemic, had compulsory health and travel insurance requirements, but many more have since added rules – typically around Covid-19 medical expenses and the associated costs. The coverage type and amount varies by vaccination status and country.  Prior to travelling, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination.

If I had Covid-19, should I declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition?

At the time of purchasing your policy if you have previously had Covid-19 and are now testing negative, are feeling well with no symptoms at all, then you do not need to declare this as a Pre-existing Medical Condition. A Covid-19 positive test result at a later date would be considered a new infection.

However, if you are:

• still testing positive; or
• still displaying Covid-19 signs and symptoms; or
• have been diagnosed with 'long Covid';

and you wish to have cover, you need to disclose the condition as a Pre-existing Medical Condition and an additional premium may be payable.

Our insurance partner

AA Travel Insurance policies are brought to you by the New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated (AA), are issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia) ("Hollard"). You should consider the  Policy Wording  before making any decisions about this insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply.

Financial Strength Rating

The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (Incorporated in Australia), ("Hollard"), has been given a financial strength rating of A (Strong) issued by Standard and Poor's. View the full details on the  Financial Strength Rating .

An overseas policyholder preference applies. Under Australian law, if The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd is wound up, its assets in Australia must be applied to its Australian liabilities before they can be applied to overseas liabilities. To this extent, New Zealand policyholders may not be able to rely on The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd’s Australian assets to satisfy New Zealand liabilities.

Financial advice

The New Zealand Automobile Association provides general information about AA Travel Insurance products and services so that you can make a choice that best meets your needs. Information provided does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or goals and is not intended to be financial advice. If you'd like to receive financial advice, you can get professional advice from a registered financial adviser.

More information

Contact us Policy Wording Make a claim Terms and conditions AA Traveller Member Benefits

*AA Members can receive a 10% discount on AA Travel Insurance. Simply provide each traveller’s valid AA Membership number on application. Discount applies to AA Member cover premium, including any additional pre-existing cover, but does not apply to additional cover for high value items.

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Offered On Cards

T he Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card are two of Chase's most coveted credit card products. With benefits ranging from travel and dining to lounge access and purchase protection, each card has its own set of perks. And one of these perks that's especially beneficial is the travel insurance offered on Chase Sapphire cards. Although you probably won't need to use it often, this particular perk can be a lifesaver if travel doesn't go quite as planned.

Don't wait for something unfortunate to happen on your trip to understand how the insurance works. Find out what's covered, how to claim it and other essential information that can help you best utilize this credit card benefit when things go wrong with this guide to Chase Sapphire travel insurance.

How Does Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Work?

Chase's Sapphire travel insurance can cover your trip in case of cancellation or interruption, reimburse expenses due to trip delays or lost/delayed baggage and provide supplemental medical insurance or evacuation coverage in case of accident or emergency.

To use Chase Sapphire travel insurance, you must be a Chase Sapphire cardholder and have used that card to pay for some or all of your travel costs for whatever particular trip you'd like to claim the insurance on. Chase defines the cardholder as someone whose 'name is embossed on an eligible Card issued in the United States.' In many cases, spouses, children and immediate family members* may also be covered, even when the cardholder isn't traveling with them, but this varies by card and insurance benefit.

Finally, it's important to know that travel insurance benefits vary by Sapphire card. The travel insurance benefits the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers can differ from the travel insurance benefits the Chase Sapphire Preferred card provides.

What Is Covered With Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance?

Here are the various travel insurance benefits available for Chase Sapphire cardholders:

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

This benefit offers reimbursement of up to $10,000 per covered person and $20,000 per trip for cancellation or interruption of travel for the cardholder and immediate family members, assuming a part of the trip has been charged to the cardholder's Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Maximum coverage in a 12-month period is limited to $40,000.

Eligible travel expenses are considered non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses, things like flights, cruises, hotels, car rentals and more. If you paid using Rewards points, you'll be reimbursed at their monetary value or at $.01 per point.

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance covers situations like:

• Injury, illness or hospitalization that prevents you from traveling
• Severe weather events
• Jury duty or military order
• Quarantine imposed by a physician
• The lodging at your destination becoming uninhabitable

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance doesn't cover situations like:

• A change in your financial circumstances
• Failure to obtain required visas or passports
• Not wanting to travel due to civil unrest

Trip Delay Reimbursement

This insurance benefit offers reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred during a trip delay for up to $500 for each ticket purchase when you're delayed for more than six hours or require an overnight stay for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and more than 12 hours or require an overnight stay for Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders.

The benefit extends to both the cardholder and accompanying family members (spouses and children under 26). The insurance covers reasonable expenses such as meals, lodging, toiletries and medication.

Travel Accident Insurance

If you have a transportation incident during travel, travel accident insurance covers you, assuming you paid for the transport using a Chase Sapphire card. Travel accident insurance extends to the cardholder and immediate family members.

For Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders, the covered loss of life benefit amount in the case of a common carrier travel accident (like a flight, cruise, or train incident) is $500,000 per insured person. The 24-hour travel accident insurance, meanwhile, is $100,000. Specific losses covered include things like loss of sight, hearing or limbs.

For Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, a maximum amount of up to $1 million is covered for common carrier travel accidents, while 24-hour travel accident insurance remains at $100,000.

Travel and Emergency Assistance Services

If you run into an emergency when traveling, you have access to complimentary assistance along with your spouse and any dependent children under 22 who are traveling with you. This includes things like emergency transportation assistance, medical referrals and legal referrals. However, the costs of these services aren't covered, just the help in sourcing them.

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

If your or your immediate family members' luggage is lost, your checked and carry-on baggage are each covered for up to $3,000 per person per trip. Jewelry and watches are capped at $500 per covered person as are cameras and other electronics.

These items aren't covered in the policy:

• Items you may have left behind
• Documents/papers
• Travelers' Checks

Baggage Delay Insurance

If your or your immediate family members' baggage is delayed for more than six hours, this benefit offers reimbursement for emergency purchases of essentials like toiletries, chargers and clothing. You can get up to $100 daily (up to a maximum of five days).

There's a long list of items that aren't covered; here are some to note:

• Jewelry and watches
• Cameras and electronics
• Hearing aids

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

You can also benefit from the Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver. The Sapphire version of coverage is Primary , meaning you don't have to file with your insurance company first. This offers reimbursement for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 for rental periods up to 31 days when the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is used to pay for the entire car rental transaction.

Cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred also have this benefit, but the reimbursement amount for damages caused by theft or collision is capped at the Actual Cash Value of most rented cars.

Additional Benefits Covered With Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance

These are two additional travel insurance benefits available only for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders. Here's what they cover.

Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

This benefit covers emergency evacuation and transportation up to $100,000 for you, your spouse and eligible children under the age of 19 (or 26 if they're enrolled as a full"time student at an accredited university). Note that this must be pre-approved by Chase in conjunction with a doctor who certifies that the evacuation is necessary due to severe injury or illness. This benefit also covers repatriation of remains up to $1,000.

Emergency Medical and Dental Benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance also offers emergency medical and dental benefits. Oddly, this benefit only applies to trips that were arranged by a travel agency.

The amount covered is up to $2,500 with a $50 deductible on covered trips. In addition to the cardholder, this benefit covers spouses/domestic partners and/or legally dependent children under 19 (or 26 if legally enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited university).

Do note that this benefit doesn't cover medical situations caused by adventure activities that travelers may do, like scuba diving, parachuting, rock climbing and beyond.

How Do I Claim My Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance?

To file a claim with Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance, you must call the Benefit Administrator. Each type of insurance has different requirements for what documentation you need to provide when submitting a claim.

Each type of claim also has a different time period allowed for submitting a claim. These are the following timelines to know:

• For Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption claims : Submit within 20 days of cancellation/interruption. Then, return the completed and signed forms/requested documentation within 90 days (or a maximum of one year after the 90-day deadline).
• For Trip Delay Reimbursement claims : Submit within 60 days of delay. Then, return completed and signed forms/requested documentation within 100 days.
• For Lost Luggage claims : Start by filling out the proper documentation for the airline that lost your luggage (save a copy). Contact the Benefits Administrator within 20 days of when your baggage was lost, damaged or stolen. You should receive a claim form within 15 days, which you should submit, alongside documentation, within 90 days.
• For Baggage Delay claims : Start by completing the proper documentation for the airline on which your bag was delayed (save a copy). Contact the Benefits Administrator within 20 days of the delay, then return documentation and forms within 90 days (or a maximum of one year after the 90-day deadline).
• For Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver claims : Request the proper documentation from the car rental company (and police, if applicable), then contact the Benefits Administrator within 100 days of the incident. Submitting documentation varies by state but is usually required within 120-365 days of the incident.
• Emergency Evacuation and Transportation claims : Call the Benefits Administrator immediately upon incident, then submit the claim and documentation within 180 days of the occurrence.
• Emergency Medical and Dental Benefits claims : Call the Benefit Administrator within 90 days of receiving medical care on your trip, then submit the claim and documentation within 180 days of the occurrence.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can call 1-888-675-1461 while in the U.S. or call collect at 1-804-281-5772 while outside of the U.S. to file claims. Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can call 1-888-320-9961 while in the U.S. or call collect at 1-804-673-1691 while outside of the US to file claims.

An alternative is to visit www.eclaimsline.com to submit your claims.

Bottom Line

Hopefully, you won't need to use it, but it's nice to know Sapphire cardholders have access to Chase Sapphire travel insurance benefits that can help you out of a minor (or serious) pickle.

However, it's important to read the fine print for both the Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance benefits and the Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance benefits , as there are many exclusions and provisions that you should know before submitting a claim. And when it comes to submitting those claims, make sure to do so within the allocated time periods to ensure coverage.

*Unless otherwise specified within each type of insurance, Chase states that 'Immediate family members include: spouse, and parents thereof; sons and daughters, including adopted children and stepchildren; parents, including stepparents; brothers and sisters; grandparents and grandchildren; aunts or uncles; nieces or nephews; and Domestic Partner and parents thereof, including Domestic Partners and spouses of any individual of this definition. Immediate Family Members also include legal guardians or wards.'

• Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard
• Travelex Travel Insurance
• Trawick International Travel Insurance
• AXA Assistance USA
• TravelSafe Insurance

CFAR Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

"Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) travel insurance provides the utmost flexibility, allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason that's not covered by standard travel insurance. It's the safety net for those 'just in case' moments, offering peace of mind for unforeseen circumstances. Let's dive into what sets CFAR cover apart from general-purpose best travel insurance policies .

• Seven Corners Travel Insurance : Best Overall
• Travel Guard : Best Value
• Travelex Travel Insurance : Best for Adventurers
• Trawick International Travel Insurance : Most Popular
• AXA Assistance USA : Best for Cruises and Tours
• TravelSafe Insurance : Best for Quick Protection

Compare the Top CFAR Insurance Offers

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to 120 days' coverage available for travelers ages 79 and under (30 days for 80+)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $2,500 per person for missed connections over three hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage of up to $150 per person per day kicks in after six hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy can be purchased by U.S. citizens living abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage ceiling of $100,000 may be low for some travelers' needs.
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims reviews from customers say performance is not always the best
• A well-rounded insurance plan for travelers who are concerned about missing connections for cruise-related travel
• Classic and Basic travel insurance plans
• GolfSafe travel insurance plans provide coverage for you and your equipment
• Travel medical insurance through partner Trawick International

Best Cancel for Any Reason Insurance Reviews

Best overall cfar insurance: seven corners travel insurance.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance is a well-known carrier that has served thousands of travelers. The Trip Protection Choice plan offers a cancel for any reason travel insurance add-on that covers up to 75% of total trip costs, with a maximum of up to $75,000 in reimbursement. Medical coverage is also generous, with up to $500,000 per person for eligible medical expenses and evacuation/repatriation limits of up to $1 million per person.

Seven Corners also offers generous benefits on lost baggage and delayed travel or baggage expenses. Baggage delay benefits kick in after just six hours and go up to $500 per person. The Choice plan does not insure travel canceled by tour operators that are or have gone out of business, so this policy may not be the best fit for travelers who plan to visit destinations with tenuous

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

Best Value CFAR Travel Insurance: AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance

Travel Guard  is one of the best-known names in the travel insurance industry, with several plans available for traveler needs in every direction. AIG also provided the lowest quote for our hypothetical Europe travelers despite offering the highest ceiling on CFAR reimbursement. Both AIG's Preferred and Deluxe insurance plans offer CFAR coverage as an add-on to the policy, and some policies cover up to 75% of total trip costs going all the way up to a maximum reimbursement of $112,500.

Many AIG policies also include COVID coverage even without CFAR protection, as well as some ancillary benefits such as rental car protection and even pet travel insurance.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Best CFAR Insurance for Adventurers: Travelex Travel Insurance

Travelex Travel Insurance is a great cancel for any reason option for travelers who plan to participate in strenuous or adventurous activities during their trip. While the CFAR coverage add-on only reimburses up to 75% of nonrefundable trip expenses, it still provides a certain modicum of peace of mind in case of emergencies, with cancellation available as an option up to 48 hours before travel begins. Travelex offers low medical coverage compared with its competitors, with a maximum of up to $50,000 per person. Travelers participating in adventure sports can purchase an optional add-on bundle for additional coverage. In case of emergency, Travelex policy holders might do well to consider the travel insurance benefits on their credit cards to supplement any potential medical expenses.

Read our Travelex Insurance review here.

Most Popular Cancel for any Reason Travel Insurance: Trawick Travel Insurance

Trawick International Travel Insurance had one of the priciest plans with CFAR coverage in our comparison, but the carrier's popularity amongst travelers is undeniable, for many reasons. The Safe Travels Explorer is particularly beneficial for pet owners who may incur medical expenses for their animals, as the plan includes up to $250 toward unexpected costs for cats and that who accompany their owners in their travels.

While Trawick's CFAR coverage was one of the most expensive add-ons we evaluated as well, the carrier offers generous compensation margins for travelers who need it, with up to 75% reimbursement for nonrefundable trip costs.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

Best CFAR Coverage for Cruises: A XA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  is a great option for our hypothetical Europe cruise travelers, with its coverage of up to $1,500 per person for missed cruises and tours. This insurer also covers lost and delayed ski, sports and golf equipment – items that aren't always included in lost or delayed baggage coverage under other carriers. The rest of your belongings are safe too with AXA, as lost baggage claim ceilings are up to $3,000 per person - more than double some of its other competitors. Unfortunately, AXA may not be the best fit for travelers who need high-ticket travel protection, as the upper limit for CFAR reimbursement only goes up to a maximum of $50,000 despite covering up to 75% of total nonrefundable expenses, which is lower than the ceilings from other competitors such as AIG and Seven Corners. Furthermore, CFAR insurance coverage can only be added on to AXA's top-tier Platinum plan.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here

Best CFAR Coverage for Convenience: TravelSafe Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great option to consider if you have a lot of stops or transits on your trip, or if you are an expat living abroad. This insurer offers flexible coverage terms for longer travel durations. If you are 79 years old or younger, you can purchase a single-trip travel insurance plan that can cover your adventures for up to 120 days. Furthermore, reimbursement for baggage delays and losses, trip delays and missed connections kick in far more quickly than most competitors, with up to $2,500 per person for eligible missed travel connections available at the three-hour mark.

While TravelSafe's medical coverage of up to $100,000 may be on the lower side for travelers who anticipate potential medical expenses, those with the right credit cards may be able to supplement their emergency costs through a claim with their card issuer.

Read our TravelSafe Insurance review here.

Understanding 'Cancel for Any Reason' Coverage

Key features.

CFAR policies are unique; they allow cancellation for reasons beyond the usual covered reasons of travel insurance policies. This includes fear of traveling due to a pandemic or a sudden change of mind. However, it's essential to understand the specifics, such as the percentage of the trip cost reimbursed and the time frame for cancellation.

How CFAR Differs from Standard Policies

Unlike traditional travel insurance policies that cover specific cancellation reasons like illness or weather-related issues, CFAR offers a broader spectrum of coverage. It's the premium choice for travelers seeking full control over their plans.

That said, you must also buy travel insurance early if you want to qualify for a CFAR policy, usually within a certain period from when you place a deposit on your trip. That's why it's important to be mindful of when you buy travel insurance . 

How to Pick The Best CFAR Travel Insurance Plan for You

There is no one-size-fits-all "best" insurance plan, especially for CFAR coverage, which can add to your insurance premium. Even for the same person, the right policy will vary from trip to trip, depending on your activities.

If you're primarily concerned about getting your money back if your schedule changes, you may be able to get away with a basic plan that allows you to add CFAR coverage. If you're undertaking a grueling hike through some challenging mountain ranges, you may want to select a policy that includes generous medical and evacuation protection, plus flexibility to reschedule or re-book your trip in case of injury. And if you plan to visit a number of destinations within a short amount of time, trip delay or baggage loss protection may need to be one of your top priorities.

Steps to Choosing CFAR Coverage

• Evaluating Your Travel Needs Consider the nature of your trip, destinations, and what uncertainties you might face. This will help determine the level of travel insurance coverage you need.
• Comparing Prices and Benefits Analyze different policies in terms of cost, coverage percentage, and additional benefits. Look for the best value for your specific needs.
• Reading the Fine Print Understanding the terms and conditions, including the cancellation window and reimbursement process, is crucial to avoid any surprises.
• Making the Most of Your Policy Once you've chosen a policy, it's important to know how to use it effectively.
• Understanding Your Policy Familiarize yourself with the details of your policy, including how and when to file a claim.
• Tips for Filing a Claim Be timely and thorough when filing a claim. Keep all relevant documents handy and follow the provider's process closely to ensure a smooth experience.

CFAR insurance is purchased as an add-on to a single trip travel insurance policy. It will affect how much you can receive for a canceled trip, but won't affect your other benefits. 

No, insurance providers generally don't offer CFAR for multi-trip annual plans. It's limited to single trip travel insurance.

This varies by provider, but typically, CFAR policies reimburse between 50% and 75% of the pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost.

Yes, cancel for any reason travel insurance is worth it if there's a chance you need to change your travel plans. Traditional travel insurance only offers cancellation coverage for specific reasons, so CFAR insurance provides extra coverage and peace of mind. It also reduces the amount of paperwork necessary for filing a claim.

Trip cancellation coverage is a benefit of standard travel insurance plans, offering reimbursement if your trip needs to be canceled for specific covered reasons, such as a death in the family or illness. On the other hand, cancel for any reason insurance, reimburses you for a canceled trip regardless of the reason, so there are fewer restrictions.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best CFAR Travel Insurance

Business Insider reviewed numerous insurance products looking for the best options. Especially when it come to travel insurance, each traveler has a distinct experience and plan. So we looked for companies offering the optimal coverage packages for certain groups.

To accurately compare the cost of CFAR coverage from the insurance carriers we recommend, we collected quotes for a hypothetical two-week trip to three countries in Europe for two travelers ages 38 and 45 that includes a river cruise, renting a vacation home, and taking several flights. The total cost of travel comes out to $14,000 between two people.

The main factors we evaluated when picking our top CFAR travel insurance options were: policy cost, level of protection, claims experience, and policy types.

All our reviews are independently done, meaning travel insurance companies don't get to review or approve our reviews. Similarly, our top guide spots are not for sale. All placements are earned through strong coverage, efficient claims handling, and strong customer service.

Read our insurance rating methodology for more details.

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I plan to be in Mariupol, looking for apartment, and could use a interperter. I will be meeting a lady I'm writing to. Other assiatnce appreicated.

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Allianz Trip Insurance

Protect your travel experience

Read about Allianz Trip Insurance’s COVID-19 insurance coverage limitations and accommodations.

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Top reasons to buy trip insurance

• Financial reimbursement if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a covered illness, injury, jury duty, and more
• Emergency medical benefits in and outside the U.S. – where many personal health insurance policies (like Medicare) won’t cover you
• 24-hour emergency assistance to help you solve medical and other travel-related problems on the go

Types of trip insurance plans

Allianz Trip Insurance comes in a variety of plans to fit your specific needs. Single-trip plans can protect one trip, annual plans can protect all your trips for an entire year, and rental car protection plans can keep your budget safe from accidental collision and damage to a rental vehicle.

All insurance is recommended / offered / sold by 3rd party, Allianz Global Assistance, not American Airlines. Underwriter: Jefferson Insurance Company or BCS Insurance Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of these plans. AGA Service Company is a licensed producer in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

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Trip insurance benefits

Reimburses your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered illness, injury, and more.

Reimburses the unused, non-refundable portion of your trip and increased transportation costs it takes for you to return home early or to continue your trip due to a covered illness, injury, and more.

Reimburses expenses related to covered emergency medical or dental care incurred on your trip.

Provides benefits for medically necessary transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility following a covered injury or illness.

Reimburses extra meals and accommodations you may need if your flight is delayed for 6 or more hours for a covered reason.

Reimburses you if your luggage is lost, damaged or stolen during your trip—keeping your travel plans on track.

Reimburses the purchase of essential items if your luggage is delayed for more than 24 hours.

Turn your trip into a VIP experience. Our travel experts can give you destination information, make restaurant reservations, find tickets to shows, and more.

Help is just a phone call away. Our team of multilingual problem solvers is available to help you with medical and other travel-related emergencies.

Provides primary coverage with no deductible.

Review period

If you’re not completely satisfied, you have 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to request a refund, provided you haven’t started your trip or initiated a claim. Plans are non-refundable after this period.

Additional assistance

Coverage by country of residence.

• Frequently asked questions

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive,Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected]

Email [email protected]

PLEASE BE ADVISED: This plan contains insurance benefits (which may include disability and/or health insurance benefits) that only apply during the covered trip. This optional coverage may duplicate coverage already provided by your personal auto, home, renter’s, health, life, personal liability, or other insurance policy or source of coverage but may be subject to different restrictions. You should review the terms of this policy with your existing coverage. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer/health plan or insurance agent/broker. This insurance is not required to purchase any other products/services. Unless licensed, travel retailers and their employees may provide general information about the insurance, including a description of coverage and price, but are not qualified/authorized to answer technical questions about terms, benefits, exclusions, and conditions of the insurance or evaluate the adequacy of existing coverage. Plans are intended for U.S. residents only and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Rental Car Protector is not available to KS and TX residents, except when purchased as a separate policy and is not available in all countries or for all cars. This coverage does not provide liability insurance or comply with any financial responsibility law, or any other law mandating motor vehicle coverage and does not cover you for any injury to another party. Additionally:

California Residents: We are doing business in California as Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Agency, License # 0B01400. California offers a toll-free consumer hotline at 1-800-927-4357.

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September 27, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news

By Tara Subramaniam , Sophie Tanno, Hannah Strange and Adrienne Vogt , CNN

Russia is building a new rail link to the occupied city of Mariupol, Ukrainian official says

From CNN's Olga Voitovych

Russia is constructing a new railway that will link the occupied cities of Mariupol, Volnovakha and Donetsk to Russia, according to a Ukrainian official.  

Petro Andriushchenko, an adviser to the exiled mayor of Mariupol, said the Russians “have begun construction of a railroad bridge near the village of Hranitne over the Kalmius River. If successful, this will allow the existing Mariupol-Aslanove-Kalchyk-Volnovakha line to be connected directly to Taganrog and Rostov-on-Don.”

Andriushchenko said if this railway is completed, it would allow Russia to transport military and civilian supplies to occupied territory in southern Ukraine without relying on the Crimea bridge.

The bridge connecting Crimea with the Russian mainland has come under increasing attacks by Ukrainian forces in recent months, as they try to cut supply lines to the peninsula. 

About Mariupol: The port city on the Sea of Azov is located in Ukraine’s Donetsk region and has been under direct Russian control since May 2022. It was in Mariupol that Russian forces carried out some of their most notorious strikes, including an  attack on a maternity hospital and the  bombing of a theater  in which hundreds of civilians had sought refuge.

The city became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance during weeks of relentless Russian attacks last year. Famously, even when most of it had fallen, its defenders held out at the Azovstal steel plant for weeks before the stronghold finally fell.

CNN's Sandi Sidhu contributed reporting to this post.

Kremlin maintains Black Sea Fleet commander took part in meeting on Tuesday

From CNN's Anna Chernova

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Admiral Viktor Sokolov — the Black Sea Fleet commander who Ukraine claimed to have killed — took part in a meeting of Russia’s military leaders on Tuesday. 

“Yesterday we spoke about the fleet commander (Sokolov); he took part in the meeting,” Peskov told reporters Wednesday. 

The Kremlin has so far refused to confirm directly whether or not Sokolov is dead or alive. Peskov refused to comment further, directing all questions to the Russian defense ministry.

Earlier Wednesday, a video of Sokolov giving an interview to Russian military media was posted on Telegram. CNN cannot confirm when it was filmed. 

On Tuesday, Ukraine said it was "clarifying" information about Sokolov's alleged death.

Ukraine to boycott UEFA competitions with Russian participants

From CNN's Thomas Schlachter in London

The Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) says it will not take part in soccer competitions featuring Russian teams, following UEFA’s decision to readmit the country's youth teams to European tournaments.

“UAF strongly condemns today's UEFA decision on the return of U-17 teams from the Russian Federation to international competitions,” the UAF said in a  statement  Wednesday. “UAF insists on preserving the previous decisions of UEFA and FIFA regarding the prevention of all Russian teams from participating in international competitions.” 

The UAF has also asked for the cooperation of other footballing bodies in taking the same stance against Russia’s readmission to youth soccer.

“UAF confirms that we will not take part in any competitions with the participation of Russian teams, and appeal to other UEFA member associations to boycott possible matches with the participation of teams from the Russian Federation, subject to their admission. We are convinced that the adoption of similar decisions regarding the gradual return of teams from the Russian Federation to participation in competitions in the midst of hostilities conducted by the Russian Federation against Ukraine is groundless and such that it tolerates Russia's aggressive policy." 

On Wednesday, the English Football Association (FA) told CNN in a statement that it will not play in any games against Russia. 

"We do not support the position of readmitting Russia to UEFA Age Grade Competitions, and our position remains that England teams won’t play against Russia," the FA’s statement read.

 The UAF’s statement concluded by asking UEFA to rethink its decision.

“We strongly urge UEFA to review this decision and leave in force the previous decision on the complete exclusion of any teams from the Russian Federation from participation in international competitions.”

In a  statement  issued on Tuesday, UEFA said it was aware that “children should not be punished for actions whose responsibility lies exclusively with adults and is firmly convinced that football should never give up sending messages of peace and hope. 

“It is particularly aggrieving that, due to the enduring conflict, a generation of minors is deprived of its right to compete in international football.”

UEFA said it will begin to roll out these changes throughout the course of the season and the Russian U17 boys and girls teams will be added to the respective European tournaments taking place next year. UEFA introduced a blanket ban for Russian soccer teams in European competitions in February 2022.

“In this respect, the [UEFA] Executive Committee has asked the UEFA administration to propose a technical solution that would enable the reinstatement of the Russian U17 teams (both girls and boys) even when draws have already been held,” the statement read.

While Russia will be reinstated into UEFA youth soccer, the reintroduction of the teams comes with stipulations.

“All matches of the Russian teams shall be played without the country flag, anthem, national playing kit and not on the Russian territory,” UEFA added.

Despite the decision to reinstate Russian youth teams, UEFA "reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s illegal war and confirmed that the suspension of all other teams of Russia (clubs and national teams) will remain in force until the end of the conflict in Ukraine.”

Ukraine detains two men accused of assisting Russia with strikes on Kyiv

Ukraine’s security service (SBU) says it has detained two men accused of collaborating with Russia to strike targets in Kyiv last week.

“SBU cyber specialists detained two Russian agents who adjusted the Russian air attack on Kyiv on the night of September 21 this year,” the SBU said in a statement Wednesday.

“It has been established that on the eve of this date, the detainees sent the Russians coordinates for a strike on the city. The main targets of the enemy attack were the capital's critical infrastructure, including energy generating enterprises,” the SBU said. 

The SBU describes the men as “local residents” and accuses them of receiving money from the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded on Telegram Wednesday saying: “This is a good signal to all traitors: There will be retribution.”

Some context: Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles on September 21, injuring at least seven people including one child, according to the city military administration.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 36 of 43 missiles launched by Russia across the country, according to Ukraine's army chief.

Russian admiral claimed to have been killed by Ukrainians appears in video interview

From CNN's Clare Sebastian and Anna Chernova

The Russian admiral who Ukraine claimed to have killed in a strike on Crimea last week has appeared in a video interview posted by a Russian military channel Wednesday.

Viktor Sokolov , the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, appeared in a video posted by Zvezda News, the media outlet of the Russian military on Telegram. 

CNN cannot verify the date the interview was carried out and there are few details within the interview that reveal its time or location. 

It was released the day after the Russian defense ministry posted a video of a meeting which appeared to include Sokolov attending via videoconference. 

In the latest video, Sokolov says: “The Black Sea Fleet is carrying out the tasks set by the command confidently and successfully.” 

“As you know, the heroic deed of our Marines practically never leave the screen of central television,” he continued.

He also refers to the ‘Order of Ushakov’ award given to Russia’s 810th Marine Brigade. This award was given on August 29th, according to the Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhaev. 

Some context: Kyiv claimed on Monday it killed Sokolov, the commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, in  an attack on the fleet’s headquarters  in occupied Crimea last Friday. Ukraine's Special Operations Forces later said their units were still "clarifying" whether or not he was among the dead.

The Kremlin on Tuesday refused to confirm whether or not Sokolov was alive.

Russian attacks target civilians and infrastructure across Ukraine, officials say

From CNN's Olga Voitovych and Radina Gigova

At least one person has been killed and five others injured across Ukraine over the past day as a result of Russian attacks, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday.

The attacks also damaged residential buildings and infrastructure, the officials said.

Here's a roundup:

• Zaporizhzhia: Russian forces conducted 130 attacks on Zaporizhzhia over the past day, shelling 27 settlements, said Yurii Malashko, head of the southern region's military administration. A 66-year-old resident was killed by Russian artillery fire in the city of Orikhiv, while a man, 56, was wounded by shelling in the village of Prymorske, he said. Russian forces conducted four airstrikes, UAV attacks and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) attacks on several villages, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure, he said.
• Kharkiv: Russian forces attacked Kharkiv, Bohodukhiv, Chuhuiv, Kupiansk and Izium districts, said Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv regional military administration. Shelling injured a 65-year-old man in the town of Vovchansk, where buildings were damaged and a forest fire broke out, he said. In the village of Borova, the shelling also sparked a forest fire, while in the village of Pidlyman, wheat crops were damaged, he said. A fire also broke out in the city of Kupiansk, damaging infrastructure, he added.
• Dnipropetrovsk: Two men, ages 44 and 68, were injured in the region, said Serhii Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk region military administration. Buildings were also damaged in the Russian attacks, he said. 
• Donetsk: At least one resident was injured in the village of Orlivka in the eastern region, according to its military administration. 

Under cover of darkness, Ukrainian drone operators target Russian forces near Bakhmut

Exclusive from CNN's Vasco Cotovio, Frederik Pleitgen, Daniel Hodge and Kostyantyn Gak in eastern Ukraine

Two Ukrainian soldiers huddle around a drone controller in darkness, their faces illuminated only by its screen.

“Oh, something is burning,” one says. They’ve just dropped a bomb on a Russian target.

The nighttime assault is part of a coordinated Ukrainian offensive push near the beleaguered eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, to which CNN obtained exclusive access.

Ukrainian ground troops are equipped with Western night-vision equipment and have an advantage in nighttime operations, but Kyiv’s ground attack aircraft are not suited for the dark, so this drone unit nicknamed “Code 9.2” is stepping up.

“The drones see in the night like in daylight,” ‘Groove explains. “We see the infantry, we hit the vehicles, cannons, everything we need to destroy.”

They are using Ukrainian-made ‘Vampire’ unmanned aerial vehicles, a hexacopter procured by the government in Kyiv, part of an initiative led by the Ministry for Digital Transformation to supply Ukrainian forces with technology on the battlefield.

Read the full story here.

Ukraine claimed a Russian commander was dead — then he appeared in a video. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Video released by Russia on Tuesday appears to show its Black Sea Fleet commander alive and well — just days after Ukraine claimed he had been killed in a strike on Crimea.

Adm. Viktor Sokolov is seen in a video released by Moscow's defense ministry, which appears to show him at a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and other Russian military leaders.

CNN cannot confirm this is Sokolov, when the meeting took place, or where his video appearance was filmed.

Ukraine's military said it is "clarifying" information regarding Sokolov, while in an interview with CNN, Kyiv's defense minister would neither confirm nor deny  whether the commander was killed in last week's strike.

Here's what else you need you need to know:

• Danube port strikes:  Russian drone attacks hit Danube River port infrastructure and injured two truck drivers, a Ukrainian military official said Tuesday. The strikes caused a  ferry crossing  point between Romania and Ukraine to suspend operations.
• Moscow on US tanks:  Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed Tuesday that US Abrams tanks "will burn" like other weapons and will not alter the situation in the conflict zone. The Pentagon confirmed Monday that  31 of the modern tanks have arrived in Ukraine. Analysts expect them to add a powerful ground component to Kyiv's forces.
• Oslo aid: Norway pledged $92 million for humanitarian funding to Ukraine to help the country make it through another winter of war, Oslo said in a news release Tuesday. The UN estimates more than 17 million people in Ukraine are in need of humanitarian assistance, the release said.
• UN bid: Russia is seeking to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council, which this week accused Moscow's forces of committing war crimes in Ukraine. The council expelled Russia last year following the full-scale invasion of its neighbor.

Here's where the state of control stands in Ukraine:

Norway pledges $92 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine to cope with winter 

From CNN’s Mariya Knight

Norway pledged 1 billion Norwegian kroner ($92 million) for humanitarian funding to Ukraine to help the country make it through another winter of war, Oslo said in a news release Tuesday. 

Funding "is being channeled via the UN, including the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement," the government said.

The key support will be provided to local civil society organizations in Ukraine and to “the most vulnerable people, children, refugees and the internally displaced, helping to ensure that they have access to shelter, food, water and sanitation, education, health care, and psychosocial support, as well as protection against sexual and gender-based violence,” the news release said. 

The provision of aid was announced at the Third Humanitarian Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of Ukraine in Oslo, co-hosted by Norway and the European Union. 

The United Nations estimates more than 17 million people in Ukraine are in need of humanitarian assistance, the news release said.

”Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Norway has provided more than NOK 3.5 billion [$320 million] in humanitarian support to Ukraine and the refugee response in neighboring countries,” it added.

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Donetsk and Luhansk: What you should know about the ‘republics’

Who has followed Russia in recognising the controversial, Moscow-backed statelets in Ukraine? And what is life like there?

Kyiv, Ukraine – Moscow-backed separatists have controlled the southeastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, known collectively as Donbas, for almost eight years.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised them only on Monday, paving the way for the official presence of Russian troops in the rebel-controlled areas that occupy about a third of Donetsk and Luhansk.

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So far, only Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Syria have joined Putin in recognising Donetsk and Luhansk – along with breakaway Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. They all did so also on Monday.

The central question is whether Russia would recognise them in their current borders. Should it decide to help the rebels “restore” their statelets to the original borders, it may spell a large-scale war between Moscow and Kyiv.

At the moment, Russia will recognise “the borders, where the leadership of the DNR and the LNR are executing their authority,” Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told the Interfax News Agency on Tuesday.

But the foreign ministry also said on Tuesday that the issue of the borders is yet to be resolved.

While Ukraine and the West try to avoid war, other questions loom.

What are the roots of the region’s separatism? What has kept these areas alive since 2014? And what is their future?

Neo-Stalinism

A 13.5 metre-tall statue of Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin still dominates the main square in Donetsk, the capital of the eponymous breakaway region in southeastern Ukraine.

And the constitution adopted by Lenin’s successor, Josef Stalin, has been restored by the Moscow-backed separatist leaders of Donetsk and neighbouring Luhansk after they broke away from the central government in 2014.

This constitution prescribes the death penalty for a number of crimes, making the separatist “People’s Republics” – and authoritarian Belarus nearby – Europe’s only homes to capital punishment.

After almost eight years of existence, the “republics” are understood to have evolved into totalitarian, North Korea-like statelets.

It is near impossible for foreigners to enter the areas. Ukrainians can only visit if they have relatives in Donetsk and Luhansk, and would have to cross into Russia first, which takes about 30 hours and costs $100 – a journey that also involves bribing officials at times. Residents need a Soviet-era residency registration.

In the statelets, secret police and “loyal” residents monitor every word, phone call and text message.

Dissidents or businessmen who refuse to “donate” their assets to the “needs of the People’s Republic” have been thrown in “cellars”, or dozens of makeshift concentration camps, without trial.

“It looks like the 1930s in the Soviet Union, a classic gulag,” Stanislav Aseyev, a publicist who was kidnapped in 2017 in Donetsk and was sentenced by a separatist “court” to 15 years in jail for “espionage”, told Al Jazeera.

For almost two years, he was incarcerated and tortured in these “cellars” until separatists swapped him and dozens of other prisoners in 2017.

Thousands of others were tortured and abused in the “cellars”, according to rights groups and witnesses. The grave human rights abuses make Donetsk and Luhansk far worse than today’s Russia, an international human rights advocate said.

“The cellars where prisoners are held in Donetsk, and the widespread use of torture, are among the most obvious human rights issues,” said Ivar Dale, a senior policy adviser with the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, a human rights watchdog group.

But there are much wider problems such as civil and political rights, he said.

“You could say that the political repression in Russia is doubly felt in Donetsk and Luhansk and other areas effectively under control of the Putin regime,” Dale told Al Jazeera.

Rust-belt ruins

These tendencies have gone hand in hand with economic degradation.

The living standards are “many times, if not dozens of times worse than in pre-war 2013”, said Aseyev, 32, who now lives in Kyiv and has published a novel about the events in Donetsk.

This regress looks even more staggering considering Donetsk’s and Luhansk’s not-so-ancient history. The cities were founded by two Brits.

Englishman Charles Gascoigne built a metal factory in what is now Luhansk in 1795, shortly after czarist Russia annexed Crimea and eastern Ukraine from the Crimean Khanate, a mostly-Muslim vassal of Ottoman Turkey.

Decades later, in 1869, Welshman John Hughes started a steel plant and a coal mine in what is now Donetsk, and the city was named after him – Hughesovka or Yuzovka – until the Soviet era.

The birth and rapid growth of both cities followed the czarist government’s drive to develop the immense coal and iron ore deposits of what is now eastern Ukraine.

Communist Moscow further spurred the region’s development, and tens of thousands of ethnic Russians settled there, making urban areas almost exclusively Russian-speaking.

Coal and mines grew deeper next to hillocks made of spent ore, and foundries, chemical and power plants dotted the region.

The political heyday of Donetsk began in 2010, when its native Viktor Yanukovych became Ukraine’s president – and brought cohorts of his cronies to Kyiv.

They tried to wrestle control of Ukraine’s politics and economy – but triggered months-long protests that began in November 2013 and ended in February 2014, when the Ukrainian parliament voted to remove Yanukovych from office.

The protests are known in Ukraine as the Revolution of Dignity – but Russian President Vladimir Putin still calls them a “coup”.

‘Russian spring’

In the czarist era, the region was known as Novorossiya – or New Russia – and the Kremlin would use the name in 2014 as it proclaimed the “Russian Spring” or “liberation” of Russian-speaking regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.

But pro-Russian rallies and uprisings in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, and Odesa, its largest seaport on the Black Sea, failed.

However, thousands of Russian volunteers flocked to Donetsk and Luhansk to aid separatist militias – while many locals were ecstatic about the “Russian Spring”.

“Putin will come and restore order here,” one of their supporters, a rotund minibus driver named Valerii, told this reporter in April 2014 in Donetsk.

But four months later, after the separatists tried to confiscate his minibus, he locked his apartment, loaded the bus with his most valuable belongings, and left for Kyiv.

‘Price tag’

Even though Ukraine barred any economic ties to the separatist regions, they still exist – and even involve top politicians.

Pro-Western President Petro Poroshenko, who came to power after the Revolution of Dignity, admitted that he channeled government funds worth tens of millions of dollars in exchange for Donetsk coal in the winter of 2014-2015 because otherwise “half of Ukraine could have frozen”.

But Russia still had to bankroll the separatist provinces spending billions of dollars a year.

So, what are Moscow’s economic goals in Donbas?

“Very simple – to lower the price tag of maintaining the occupied territories,” Aleksey Kusch, a Kyiv-based analyst, told Al Jazeera.

To achieve that, Russia may want to remove the middlemen who pocketed the lion’s share of profits from the export of coal and steel and the delivery of humanitarian aid that was immediately resold on the black market.

“They kept up to 70 percent of the profits,” Kushch said.